Development

Northern Ireland and Ireland join forces to deliver historic cross-border activities

News

Article Mon, Jan 8 2024

A groundbreaking chapter unfolds in the delivery of the CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball – Grow with it’ as Northern Ireland Volleyball (NI Volleyball) and Volleyball Ireland (VAI) join forces. This collaboration aims to foster Volleyball activities in bordering cities, thereby creating an exciting opportunity for schools in Newry, Northern Ireland, and Dundalk, Republic of Ireland. The initiative has received significant support from the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Coaches from Northern Ireland and Ireland portrayed together during last year's CEV Coaches Convention in Sofia, Bulgaria, together with CEV instructor Kristof De Loose

The project kicks off with an engaging series of mini volleyball tournaments to be held at the prestigious Newry Leisure Centre. These tournaments will feature primary schools from both Newry and Dundalk, thus showcasing talent and promoting cross-border cooperation. The exact dates for the tournaments are yet to be confirmed.

To ensure that schools are well-prepared for the upcoming competitions, coaching sessions will be conducted by the Northern Ireland Volleyball coaching staff. These sessions will take place in neighbouring schools, imparting essential Volleyball skills and rules to local pupils. The coaching initiative is a crucial component of the project, fostering skill development and enthusiasm for the sport among participating schools.

The collaboration between NI Volleyball, VAI, and the support from the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council reflects a strong commitment to promoting Volleyball at the grassroots level. The partnership not only encourages friendly competition but also strengthens ties between communities on either side of the border.

With upcoming tournaments and coaching sessions, the project is poised to create a positive and lasting impact on schools in the Newry and Dundalk areas, fostering a love for Volleyball and building bridges across borders. Stay tuned for confirmed tournament dates as the excitement builds for this historic collaborative venture! 

#EuropeanVolleyball